Windows operating systems

The operating system is extremely important for everyone who uses a computer. It is the operating system that is responsible for handling individual tasks, launching applications, saving them in memory, and also protecting against data loss due to failures. Moreover, the type of system determines which programs can be run on a given computer. Today, 64-bit operating systems or 32-bit systems are available.

As you can see, choosing the right system is very important. Should it be an operating system used only at home, or will it be used for business purposes? If you do not know which Microsoft operating system, which version of Microsoft Windows will be best for you, we will gladly provide advice and answer any questions about Windows operating systems.

Types of Windows operating systems

Microsoft periodically releases new versions of its Microsoft Windows operating system. Each new version of Windows has full technical support, including regular updates, and is developed further. Any security vulnerabilities related to Windows systems are promptly fixed, and the systems also receive new functionalities. However, older versions eventually lose support and no longer receive updates, which reduces security. New threats or previously undetected security vulnerabilities are no longer fixed, which creates a risk of hacking attacks.

Microsoft Windows operating systems:

MS-DOS and overlays

• MS-DOS (and PC-DOS – IBM version)
• Windows 1.0
• Windows 2.0
• Windows 2.1
• Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, Windows 3.11

9x line systems

• Windows 95 (Windows 4.0)
• Windows 98 (Windows 4.1)
• Windows 98 Second Edition
• Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me, Windows 4.9)

OS/2 line products

• 16-bit versions: OS/2 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• 32-bit versions: OS/2 2.0, 2.1, 2.11, 2.11 SMP, Warp 3, Warp 4

Windows NT line operating systems

• Windows NT 3.1, 3.5, 3.51
• Windows NT 4.0
• Windows 2000 (Windows NT 5.0)
• Windows XP (Windows NT 5.1)
• Windows XP x64 (Windows NT 5.2)
• Windows Vista (Windows NT 6.0)
• Windows 7 (Windows NT 6.1)
• Windows 8 (Windows NT 6.2)
• Windows 8.1 (Windows NT 6.3)
• Windows 10 (Windows NT 10.0)

The history of MS-DOS as the foundation of modern systems

Windows, from Windows 95 through Windows 2000, had several distinctive features. One of them is the user interface based on windows, from which the Windows system got its name. Programs open in these windows, and we can switch between them freely and close them. This also allows us to run multiple tasks simultaneously – multitasking is one of the main features of the operating system. Thanks to this, we can work comfortably with this operating system.

Another feature characterizing the Windows user interface is the Start menu. Users became so accustomed to this specific, recurring structure of the operating system that when Microsoft decided to remove it in Windows 8, users protested. As a result, the menu returned and is still available in a more modern form in Windows 10.

MS system – characteristics

If you look more closely at the popularity of Microsoft Windows systems, it can be attributed to the characteristic structure and design of the user interface. It has not changed significantly. Popular Windows XP Professional, Vista, or Windows 10 work similarly, and users know how to use them. There are not such huge differences between versions that users would struggle with operating them. There are many new features, but everyone finds them easy to navigate. The graphical user interface works on the same principle on every Windows system.

It is also worth noting the presence of programs available with the operating systems: Internet Explorer (in the new Edge version), Media Player – every new system is compatible with them. 

Microsoft Windows operating system – which one to choose?

Currently, the newest and continuously developed system in the Windows operating systems family is Microsoft Windows 10, released in 2015. Its simple user interface makes it easy for anyone to use. The Windows system is available in many editions, each differing in functionalities. The individual editions of these Microsoft Windows operating systems are designed with different user requirements in mind: private and commercial. Features vary depending on the system version. The file system supported by each system will also differ.

Microsoft operating systems: Windows 10 editions

Standard Microsoft operating systems intended for home users:

• Windows 10 Home
• Windows 10 Pro

Operating systems intended for installation in companies, schools:

• Windows 10 Enterprise
• Windows 10 Education – the same features as the Enterprise version, but intended for schools
• Windows 10 Pro Education
• Windows 10 Remote Server
• Windows 10 Professional Workstation

Functionality specific to the device type:

• Windows 10 on Xbox One
• Windows 10 Mobile
• Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
• Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise
• Windows 10 IoT Core
• Windows 10 Team

Windows operating systems – specifications

Which Microsoft Windows operating system to choose? It all depends on needs and expectations. Much also depends on the hardware you have, for example RAM. Windows systems have different hardware requirements.

Windows 10 system

The two most popular Windows operating system versions, Windows 10 Home and Pro, differ in some functions. However, every operating system from the Windows family allows you to perform basic tasks, install programs, or work with documents.

Microsoft Windows Home

Windows Home is designed for home users who perform basic tasks on their computers. They do not need advanced options. This edition is completely sufficient for an average user.

Microsoft Windows Professional

The Windows Pro version is aimed at advanced and business users. Besides basic system options, it offers better security, disk encryption, and remote log-in capability.

Microsoft Windows 7

This is the most popular system version – the predecessor to MS Windows 10. It is no longer supported by Microsoft, but many people still willingly use it.

Microsoft Windows 8.1

A system version designed for touch screens – but not only. This edition added an interface that supports touch devices and facilitates work on them.

Microsoft operating system

Windows is today the most popular system. It is installed by computer manufacturers on new devices, and it is hard to find a person somewhat familiar with technology who does not know the popular “windows.” It owes its pleasant-to-hear name to them.

Besides operating systems, Microsoft also creates server operating systems: Microsoft Windows Server: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019.